Over-the-counter hearing aids look and function similarly to prescription hearing aids, according to our experts.LightFieldStudios / Getty Images

Hearing loss is more than just an inconvenience, it can affect your overall health. Untreated hearing loss can have negative ramifications on other areas of your health, including increased likelihood of social isolation, depression and falls, according to our experts.

One tool to combat hearing loss is an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid. OTC hearing aids are prescriptionless devices for mild to moderate hearing loss. We asked experts about diagnosing hearing loss, and what to keep in mind when considering hearing aids.

Barbara Kelley, the executive director of Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), recommends having your hearing tested regularly -- you shouldn't wait for your family or friends to notice that you may have trouble hearing before seeing a hearing health professional. "There is no such thing as a small hearing loss," says Kelley. "You could be missing important parts of communication and connection with the world around you."

If you're unsure if you would benefit from hearing aids, it's helpful to see an audiologist first, says Lindsay Creed, the associate director of audiology practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). An audiologist can diagnose your specific hearing loss and any underlying medical conditions before going through the process of getting hearing aids (if that's recommended after your visit). Most health insurances cover a hearing evaluation from an audiologist, says Creed.

OTC hearing aids are intended for adults 18 and older who believe they have mild to moderate hearing loss, according to our experts. They are not for people with greater than average or more severe hearing loss, or anyone with a hearing-related medical condition. For that kind of hearing loss, or for anyone with anomalies that might make their ear and hearing care unique, you should see a licensed hearing health professional for help.

OTC hearing aids range in shape, size, price and features, so much so that it can be hard to tell the difference between a true OTC hearing aid and something like a personal sound amplifier. We selected OTC hearing aids keeping the following in mind:

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Our top picks come from a mix of audio brands like Jabra, Eargo and Apple. We list details like battery life, IP rating and warranty for each product under the "What to know" dropdown. While OTC hearing aids don't require the help of a hearing health professional to use, your audiologist can be an active participant in the decision making process of what type of technology is best for you, says Creed.

Our experts did not recommend or endorse specific products or brands for this guide.

These OTC hearing aids from Jabra have a two piece, behind-the-ear design -- each bud is connected to the body via a small wire. They have many convenient features like Bluetooth connectivity, different listening modes, a long 24 hour battery life, a charging case and IP68 dust and waterproofing, similar to our favorite wireless earbuds.

If you want extra features like Bluetooth LE and Auracast, consider upgrading to the Jabra Enhance Select 500, especially if it's on sale.

The Eargo 8 is best for anyone who wants a sleek design that's hard to spot from the outside. They are small, single piece, in-ear hearing aids that rest in your ear canal without fully blocking natural outside noise.

They are much pricier than our other top picks, but they don't have Bluetooth connectivity. Consider the Eargo SE for a similar look and form-factor, but lower price.

If budget is your top priority, the Lexie B2 Plus is one of a few options under $1000 worth considering. They have a two-piece design and Bluetooth connectivity, similar to our top pick from Jabra. Where they differ is less battery life, a lower IP rating and a less flexible, less comfortable receiver wire, according to some reviews online.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are already our favorite wireless earbuds for anyone with an iPhone. What most people don't know is that the brand added FDA-approved hearing aid functionality to the earbuds in 2024. Pair them with an iPhone or iPad running at least iOS 18.1, and you can take a hearing test on your device and potentially activate hearing aid functionality. My test results indicated little to no hearing loss, but the test itself was simple and easy.

AirPods Pro 2 are a great hearing aid option because of their (comparatively) low price, ease of use and accessibility: many people who already have AirPods Pro 2 may benefit from their hearing aid functionality.

The major drawback, and what makes these better for occasional, rather than full-time use, is battery life: AirPods Pro 2 get up to 6 hours of battery, far less than our other top picks.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I'm a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on air purifiers, smart scales and walking shoes. For this piece, I spoke with hearing health experts to better understand hearing loss, hearing aids and what to look for when shopping.

1 in 7 Americans have some degree of hearing loss. Are over-the-counter hearing aids right for you?